2025 Game Recaps

Game recaps – Week #1

Headlines:

  • Colby stuns Trinity behind strong defensive effort
  • Wesleyan topples Middlebury as Kelly shines
  • Bates rallies to top Amherst in 2OTs
  • Williams strong run game topples Hamilton
  • Tufts’ defense stymies Bowdoin

 

Colby 13, Trinity 6

Bottom Line:  Colby stuns Trinity behind strong defensive effort

Official links:

Colby:  Mules Prevail 13-6 Over Trinity to Begin 2025 Campaign – Colby College

Trinity:  Football Falls at Colby, 13-6, in Season Opener – Trinity College

What we learned – Colby:

  • Colby had last beat Trinity in 1995, but Saturday the Mules snapped a 13-game losing streak
  • The Mule defense was impressive, holding Trinity to under 200 yds of offense and just 11 first downs
  • Colby registered seven sacks, four interceptions, a forced fumble and scored a TD on an 8 yd INT return by DL Montrail Holmes
  • QB Miles Drake was 16-26 for 192 yds but had 3 INTs and took 4 sacks. He engineered the game winning TD drive in the 4th, going 4-5 for 62 yds
  • WR Jack Nye, the ’24 Rookie of the Year in the NESCAC, continued to thrive catching 7-99 yds
  • The Mule running backs rushed 23 times for just 52 yds and the offense finished 2 for 13 on 3rd down
  • The Colby defensive linemen were impressive: Jack Mullen had 7 tackles, and 2 sacks while Cooper Bunnell had 5 tackles and 3.5 sacks

What we learned – Trinity:

  • Trinity’s offense had 5 turnovers (4 INTs and one fumble) and gave up a pick six
  • The Bantam QBs struggled: Jaxon Carroll started the 1st half going 6-11 for 53 yds with 1 TD and 1 INT, while QB Tyler Aronson played the 2nd half going 8-15 for 90 yds but throwing 3 INTs
  • Trinity had 14 yds of offense in the 2nd quarter and 13 yds in the 4th quarter
  • WR Nolan O’Brien caught 4-51 yds with a TD
  • CB Tyler Roberts picked off Colby in the end zone, thwarting a 15 play 65 yd drive by the Mules at the end of the 1st half
  • Including Roberts play, the Bantams only allowed one score on three Colby red zone chances
  • LBs Aaron Pouwai and Shane Mosia combined for 17 total tackles and DB Bryce Ferrell returned an INT for 29 yds
  • Both teams missed PATs

Wesleyan 31, Middlebury 17

Bottom Line:  Wesleyan topples Middlebury as Kelly shines

Official links:

Middlebury:  Football Falls To Wesleyan In Season Opener – Middlebury College

Wesleyan:  Cardinals Score 24 Unanswered in Season-Opening Home Win over Middlebury – Wesleyan University

What we learned – Wesleyan:

  • Freshman WR Donte Kelly exploded on to the NESCAC scene, catching 7-118 yds which included a 51 yd TD on a shovel pass. Kelly added a 34 yd KO return.
  • QB Matt Fitzsimons took the reins on the Cardinals’ third drive and finished 15-22 for 204 yds and 1 TD. Fitzsimons did not have an INT nor was he sacked
  • After giving up a FG on the opening drive, the Wesleyan defense held Middlebury to just 51 yds on their next 6 drives, building a 24-3 lead.
  • DB AJ Morris had a pick six, returning an INT for a 60 yd TD
  • LB Austin Baker had 10 total tackles and 1 TFL

What we learned – Middlebury:

  • The Panthers matched the Wesleyan offense, generating 289 yds versus the Cardinals’ 296 yds, but had 2 INTs, including a pick six and went 3 of 13 on 3rd down
  • QB Brian Moran 22-37 for 261 yds with 1 TD and 2 INTs
  • WR Michael Ahonen shined, catching 7-108 yds and WR Luis Kuehberger snagged 5-68 yds
  • Middlebury could not run the ball effectively: its running backs rushed 17 times for 5 yds
  • The Panther defense held Wesleyan running backs to 23-66 yds
  • DL Casy Adjei had 7 total tackles and 1 TFL

 

Bates 26, Amherst 23 (2OT)

Bottom Line: Bates rallies to top Amherst in double OT

Official links:

Bates:  Football rallies to defeat Amherst 26-23 in double overtime thriller – Bates College

Amherst:  Mammoths drop season opener in 2OT at Bates, 26-23 – Amherst College

What we learned – Bates:

  • Down 23-7 entering the 4th quarter, Bates rallied to score 16 unanswered points and kicked a game winning FG in the 2nd OT
  • The Bobcats had 20 first downs to Amherst’s 11, outgained the Mammoths on the ground by 75 yds and possessed the ball for 36 minutes to Amherst’s 24
  • Bates failed on a 2-point conversion trailing 23-13 in the 4th but were able to score twice more in 4th quarter to tie the game
  • QB Jack Perry entered the game late in the 2nd quarter and went 7-14 for 110 yds and 3 TDs hitting WR Quinn Carver for a tying 35 yd TD pass with 1:52 remaining
  • Sergio Beltran made plays in all phases of the offense: he threw 4-6 for 45 yds, rushed 23-61 yds and caught 2-23 yds
  • Ryan Rozich continued to be an impact player, notching 11 tackles, 1.5 TFLs and a fumble recovery

What we learned – Amherst:

  • After scoring 3 TDs and a FG in the 3rd quarter, Amherst could only muster 1 first down in the 4th quarter, with their drives ending in a fumble, an interception, 2 three and outs and one four and out
  • The Mammoths generated 180 yds of offense in the 3rd quarter, but just 16 net yards in the 4th and the 2 overtime periods
  • Amherst missed a 43 yd FG at the end of the 1st OT that would have won the game
  • QB Marek Hill was 18-29 for 162 yds, 2 TDs but 1 INT; he rushed 8-16 yds
  • WR Carter Jung caught 5-69 yds and 1 TD
  • The Mammoth defense held Bates running game (excluding sacks) to less than 2.8 yds per carry
  • LB Carson Skotak had a monster game: 17 total tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, a QB hurry and a pass breakup
  • Star defender Luke Harmon finished with 14 total tackles, 1 sacks, 2 other TFLs and 1 forced fumble

 

Williams 24, Hamilton 17

Bottom Line: Williams strong rush game topples Hamilton

Official links:

Williams: Ephs take down Hamilton, 24-17, in season opener – Williams College

Hamilton:  Football falls to Williams, Kurzum ’27 throws for career-high 298 yards – Hamilton College

 What we learned – Williams:

  • Williams rushed for 258 yds and 3 TDs and averaged just under 6.0 per carry
  • Owen Johansen played QB and threw just 5-8 for 51 yds but rushed 11-84 yds including a key 30 yd run on 2nd and 21
  • RB Jon Oris rushed 20-101 yds and RB Matt Bott added 8-56 yds
  • Up 17-7 in the 4thquarter, the Ephs’ drive comprised 6 consecutive runs of 11, 11, 24, 13 and 11 yds before a 5 yd TD run by Oris
  • The Williams defense held Hamilton to just 60 yds on 22 carries, limiting the Continentals to 2.2 yds per carry
  • LB Luke Mangini had 8 total tackles and 1 sack
  • WR/DB Holden Gering had 42 of Williams’ 51 receiving yds and had 2 total tackles as a starter at CB

 What we learned – Hamilton:

  • Hamilton’s offense started slowly, including 3 three and outs on their 5 first half drives
  • The Continentals had two long drives of 15 and 13 plays, but could not cash those into TDs and in both cases, missed the FG attempts
  • Down 17-0 in the 4th quarter, Hamilton scored 2 TDs and 1 FG on its final 3 drives
  • QB Luke Kurzum finished 26-40 for 298 yds and 2 TDs but was sacked 4 times
  • RB Alistair Orr caught 8-128 yds including a 78 yd TD catch; he added 25 yds rushing
  • LB Mat Bucher led Hamilton with 11 total tackles

 

Tufts 13, Bowdoin 0

Bottom Line:  Tufts’ defense stymies Bowdoin

Official links:

Tufts:  Football Stifles Polar Bears To Open 2025 Campaign With 13-0 Road Win – Tufts University

Bowdoin:  Bowdoin Falls in Football Season Opener to Tufts – Bowdoin College

What we learned – Tufts:

  • Tufts outgained Bowdoin 318 to 175 yds, and possessed the ball 37 mins to only 23 minutes for Bowdoin
  • The Jumbos showed a balanced approach of 149 yds on the ground and 169 yds through the air
  • Tufts opened the game with 4 drives of 84, 61, 67 and 70 yds, which yielded a TD and 2 FGs
  • QB Justin Keller got the start and went 12-19 for 143 yds and rushed 10-35 yds
  • RB Christian Shapiro rushed 17-84 yds, and Chartellis Reece returned to the Jumbos this season and had a 7 yd TD run
  • Tufts defense held the Polar Bears to just 8 first downs in the game

 What we learned – Bowdoin:

  • Bowdoin’s offense had 2 INTs, 1 fumble, went 2 for 9 on 3rd down and 0 for 2 on 4th down
  • The Polar Bear running backs and wideouts rushed for just 10-33 yds
  • QB Michael Wolfendale was 7-14 for 101 yds and 2 INTs while rushing 15-41 yds
  • WR Conrad Babka had a 41 yd catch
  • Freshman DB Steven Vargo had 9 total tackles and a PBU
  • LB Zach Taylor had 8 tackles and 1 TFL

Game recaps – Week #2

Headlines:

  • Tufts nips Wesleyan behind strong special teams play
  • Williams blasts Colby behind strong rushing game
  • Amherst jumps on Hamilton early to secure the win
  • O’Brien stars as Trinity topples Bates
  • Middlebury dominates Bowdoin

 

Tufts 22, Wesleyan 20

Bottom Line: 

Official links:

Tufts:  Jumbo Football Outlasts Wesleyan 22-20 – Tufts University

Wesleyan: Late Comeback Bid Falls Just Short for Football in 22-20 Loss at Tufts – Wesleyan University

What we learned – Tufts:

  • Tufts stopped Wesleyan’s tying two-point attempt inside of the final two minutes with LBs Riley Yaker and Johnny Ferrelli making a critical stop
  • The Jumbos offense started the game with 3 three and outs, but then scored on 3 of their next 4 drives
  • QB Justin Keller threw 12-for-17 for just 96 yds but also rushed 8-57 yds. Keller had 1 INT but was not sacked
  • RB Christian Shapiro rushed 13-65 yds and 1 TD
  • WR Kellen Rodgers had a key 71 yd kickoff return down to the Wesleyan 26 to set up a Tufts’ score
  • DB Cameron Pineda had a 64 yd pick six to go with 8 total tackles

 What we learned – Wesleyan:

  • The Cardinal offense outgained Tufts 261-219 yds, but threw a pick six, missed a FG, had a punt blocked for a safety and yielded 146 yds in kickoff return
  • QB Matt Fitzsimons threw 14-for-24 for 137 yds and 1 TD and rushed 7-26 with 2 TDs.
  • Freshman WR Donte Kelly caught 5-67 yds
  • Cardinal running backs rushed 20-86 yds, averaging 4.3 yds per carry
  • The Wesleyan defense yielded just 9 first downs and LB AJ Morris had a key INT in the 4th quarter to set the Cardinals up for a late TD
  • DB Dylan Connors had 9 total tackles including 1 TFL

Williams 38, Colby 0

Bottom Line: Williams blasts Colby behind strong rushing game

Official links:

Williams: Ephs run past Colby, 38-0, in home opener – Williams College

Colby:  Mules Show Grit Despite Road Loss at Williams – Colby College

 What we learned – Williams:

  • Williams rushed for an impressive 364 yds and outgained the Mules 465 -143 yds
  • QB Owen Johansen had 11 carries for a staggering 223 yds, which included a 71 yd TD run and a 58 yd scamper, as well as 3 rushing TDs
  • Two other Eph RBs were impactful: Jon Oris rushed 20-87 yds and Jon Marvan 12-58 yds
  • Johansen threw 10-17 for 101 yds; he had 2 TD passes and 1 INT
  • WR Jimmy Montesanto was a red zone threat catching 2 TDs of 9 and 7 yds
  • LB Zakkai Moore had 9 total tackles and DL Ben Yedid had 6 total tackles, 1.5 sacks and another TFL

 What we learned – Colby:

  • Colby could only generate 143 yds of total offense, and its first five drives included a failed 4th down conversion, two fumbles lost and an interception
  • QB Miles Drake threw 15-25 for 102 yds, had 2 INTs and was sacked 4 times
  • The top 2 Mule running backs combined to rush 14-26 yds
  • Colby had just 1 TFL on the day
  • DB Drew Ramos led Colby with 12 total tackles
  • LB Declan McNamara had 10 tackles

Amherst 23, Hamilton 13

Bottom Line: Amherst strong starts

Official links: Amherst jumps on Hamilton early to secure the win

Amherst:  Mammoths drop season opener in 2OT at Bates, 26-23 – Amherst College

Hamilton:  Football falls behind Amherst early in 23-13 NESCAC road setback – Hamilton College

What we learned – Amherst:

  • Amherst scored on 4 of their first 5 drives, including a 57 yd TD run by QB Marek Hill on their opening drive to build a 23-0 lead.
  • Marek Hill threw 25-35 for 226 yds and 2 TDs and ran for 9-109 yds with another rushing TD
  • WR Carter Jung caught 6-58 yds which included 2 TD grabs
  • Fellow wideout Sam Gerber caught 8-82 yds
  • LB Carson Skotak again led the Mammoths in tackles with 6 total tackles

What we learned – Hamilton:

  • Hamilton had two drives into Amherst territory in the 1st half but missed a FG and failed to convert a 4th and 2
  • QB Luke Kurzum threw 27-44 for 301 yds and 2 TDs and did not have a INT
  • WR Matthew Kearns caught an impressive 7-100 yds
  • The Continentals could not find any success on the ground, rushing a paltry 11 yds
  • Hamilton scored TDs on their last two drives in the 4th quarter
  • DB Josh Richards had 6 total tackles and 1 PBU

Note: final stats for this game are still pending from the NESCAC

Trinity 30, Bates 13

Bottom Line:  O’Brien stars as Trinity topples Bates

Official links:

Trinity: Football Claws Bobcats, 30-13 – Trinity College

Bates:  Slow start costs football in 30-13 road loss to Trinity – Bates College

What we learned – Trinity:

  • Trinity outgained Bates 386 to 209 in total yds and had 23 first downs to the Bobcats’ 14
  • The Bantams offense was balanced: they ran for 178 yds and passed for 208 yds
  • WR Nolan O’Brien put on show: he caught 9-140 yds and 2 TDs and returned a punt for a 79 yd TD
  • Trinity employed two running backs equally and effectively: Tyler DiNapoli rushed 16-82 yds while Jack Tosone rushed 17-83 yds
  • QB Jaxon Carroll went 12-20 for 178 yds, 2 TDs and 1 INTs
  • The Bantams front seven created consistent pressure, generating 5 sacks and 8 QB hurries
  • LB Lincoln Moore had 11 total tackles, 1 sack, 2.5 other TFLs and 3 QB hurries
  • Fellow LB Shane Mosia finished with 13 total tackles, 1 QB hurry and 1 PBU

What we learned – Bates:

  • Bates’ offense struggled including with their passing game as the Bobcats were just 6-17 for 93 yds and yielded 5 sacks
  • The Bobcats went 3 and out on 5 of their 6 first half drives and gained just 29 yds in the first half
  • RB Ryan Lynskey rushed 22-59 yds and 2 TDs, but had an average of only 2.7 yds/carry
  • Sergio Beltran continued to have triple threat role: he finished with passing (3-4 for 58 yds), rushing (10-29 yds) and receiving (3-39 yds) impact
  • Bates yielded 115 yds in the punt returns – O’Brien had returns of 79 and 21 yds
  • LB Carmel Crunk had an impressive 16 total tackles and added 1 PBU

 

Middlebury 31, Bowdoin 10

Bottom Line:  Middlebury dominates Bowdoin

Official links:

Middlebury: Football Pulls Away From Bowdoin In Home Opener 31-10 – Middlebury College

Bowdoin:  Football Falls in Road Clash at Middlebury – Bowdoin College

What we learned – Middlebury:

  • Middlebury outgained Bowdoin by 333 yds, generating 426 yds of offense and holding Bowdoin to just 93 yds
  • RB Connor McCllellan provided 126 yds of total offense for the Panthers, rushing 20-86 yds (with 2 TDs) and catching 4-40 yds
  • QB Brian Moran went 18-27 for 260 yds and 1 TD
  • WR Mike Ahonen caught 4-76 yds and 3 other Panthers had over 40 yds receiving
  • The Middlebury defense had just one sack, but 7 QB hurries and 6 PBUs
  • LB Matt Shaw finished with 9 tackles

What we learned – Bowdoin:

  • Bowdoin had just 7 first downs on the day, with two coming by way of penalty
  • The Polar Bears rushed for just 44 net yards with a 1.6 per yd/carry and went 1 for 14 on 3rd down
  • Freshman QB Soren Hummel entered the game in the 3rd quarter and threw 7-14 for 40 yds and rushed 3-20 yds and 1 TD.  Hummel had 2 INTs
  • Bowdoin fumbled a Panther punt leading to a Middlebury FG
  • Two Bowdoin defenders, LB Owen Lydon and DB Isaac Jones, each had 10 total tackles
  • LB Zach Taylor and DL Abe Herzog each had 9 tackles and combined for 1.5 TFLs

 

Game recaps – Week 3

Headlines:

  • Trinity outlasts Williams in OT
  • Wesleyan tops Bates behind balanced effort
  • Middlebury holds off Colby with late pick six
  • Amherst uses 30-point 1st half to stun Tufts
  • Hamilton aerial assault beats Bowdoin

 

Trinity 34, Williams 28 (OT)

Bottom Line:  Trinity outlasts Williams in OT

Official links:

Trinity:   Football Takes Overtime Thriller at Williams, 34-28 – Trinity College

Williams:  Ephs take first loss in overtime thriller – Williams College

What we learned – Trinity:

  • The Bantams made big plays on the only two plays of OT: LB Ethan Krauss forced a fumble which Trinity recovered and QB Jaxon Carroll tossed a 25 yd TD to win the game
  • The game was a seesaw affair, with each team scoring on 4 consecutive drives in the 2nd half
  • QB Jaxon Carroll passed 15-25 for 302 yds and 1 TD
  • RB Tyler DiNapoli generated 148 yards all-purpose yards, rushing 19-54 yds and receiving 4-94 yds with a 57 yd catch.
  • WR Nolan O’Brien continued to be a major force: he caught 7-93 yds and rushed 3-29 yds and 2 TDs
  • LB Lincoln Moore had 12 total tackles

What we learned – Williams:

  • Williams outgained Trinity (466 to 424 yds), held a 34 to 26 time of possession edge, but the Ephs lost the turnover battle 2-1, including a critical fumble in OT
  • QB Owen Johansen threw 17-26 for 311 yds and 3 TD passes and rushed 17-75 yds
  • RB Jon Oris rushed 15-56 yds with 1 TD
  • WR Zach Falls caught 5-165 yds and 1 TD
  • WR/TE Jimmy Montesano caught 7-76 yds and 2 TDs
  • Freshman DB Conor Acheson had 10 total tackles including 1 TFL

 

Wesleyan 23,  Bates 7

Bottom Line:  Wesleyan tops Bates behind balanced effort

Official links:

Wesleyan:  Cardinals Dominate in Lewiston, Handing Bates 23-7 Defeat – Wesleyan University

Bates:  Wesleyan pulls away in fourth quarter, defeats football 23-7 – Bates College

What we learned – Wesleyan:

  • Wesleyan outgained Bates 351-225 yds and converted 10 of 14 3rd down chances
  • QB Matt Fitzsimons went 20-31 for 254 yds including 1 TD and 1 INT
  • WR Blake Newcomb caught 8-116 yds and freshman WR Donte Kelly added 5-84 yds and 1 TD
  • The Cardinal defense had 5 sacks and 4 other TFLs
  • Excluding the sacks, the Wesleyan rush defense held Bates 26-66 yds or 2.5 yds per carry
  • LB Chris DeMartino had an impressive 6 total tackles, with 1.5 sacks and another 3 TFLs.

What we learned – Bates:

  • QB Jack Perry completed 11-22 passes for 188 yds, had 1 INT and was sacked 4 times
  • Sergio Beltran started at QB, but left in the 1st quarter due to an injury so Perry played the final 3 quarters
  • Bates went 2-4 on 4th down chances, including getting stuffed on a 4th and 3 at the Wesleyan 21 yd on their opening drive
  • RB Ryan Lynskey ran 17-51 yds and 1 TD
  • WR Matt Holmes caught 4-68 yds
  • LB Ryan Rozich continued to be a tackling machine, notching 11 total tackles and 1 PBU

 

Middlebury 27, Colby 17

Bottom Line: Middlebury holds off Colby with late pick six

Official links:

Middlebury:   Second-Half Surge Lifts Football Past Colby 27-17 – Middlebury College

Colby:  Mules Edged Out of Win In the Second Half – Colby College

 What we learned – Middlebury:

  • The Panthers’ Charlie Grant had a 22 yd pick six with 46 seconds left in the game to hold off Colby
  • RB Connor McClellan rushed 21-152 yds and 2 TDs which included a key 66 yd TD run in the 4th quarter
  • QB Brian Moran passed 14-of-24 for 156 yds and 1 TD; he had no interceptions
  • WR Mike Ahonen caught 4-66 yds while fellow WR Luis Kuehberger added 6-57 yds
  • LBs Matt Shaw and Tommy Schwartz each had 8 total tackles
  • LB Michael Votta finished with 2 sacks and 5 total tackles

What we learned – Colby:

  • Colby led 10-0 at half and 17-14 in the 4th quarter, but could not hold off the Panthers
  • The Mules matched Middlebury in yards (305 to 324) first downs (17 to 14) and time of possession (33 to 27), but were hurt on special teams which included a failed fake punt on 4th down and allowing the Panthers to block a FG
  • QB Miles Drake finished 16-of-22 passing for 180 yds, had 1 rushing TD but threw 2 INTs
  • WR Jack Nye continued to be dominant: he caught 8-85 yds
  • RB Ryan Singhal rushed 11-75 yds
  • DE Jack Mullen and DB Trevor Smith each had 6 total tackles

 

Amherst 30, Tufts 14

Bottom Line: Amherst uses 30-point 1st half to stun Tufts

Official links:

Amherst:  First-Half Explosion Pushes Mammoths to 30-14 Win Over Tufts – Amherst College

Tufts:  Amherst Tops Jumbo Football, 30-14 – Tufts University

What we learned – Amherst:

  • The Mammoths scored 30 1st half points, jumping out to a 30-0 half time lead
  • Amherst had 299 yds of offense in the first half, limited Tufts to just 87 yds and the Mammoth defense forced a safety
  • QB Marek Hill threw 18-29 for 211 yds and 3 TDs with 1 INT; he added 26 yds rushing
  • RB Demetrius Smith rushed 12-78 yds and 1 TD and fellow RB Cato Legaspi caught 2 TD passes
  • WR Carter Jung caught 6-120 yds and 1 TD
  • Two Mammoth standout defenders shined: LB/DB Luke Harmon and LB Carson Skotak each had 9 total tackles

What we learned – Tufts:

  • Down 30-0 at halftime, the Jumbos scored on their 1st two possessions of the 2nd half, but then had two long drives stall with failed 4th down conversions inside the Mammoth 10
  • The Jumbos went 1 for 5 on 4th down conversions
  • QB Justin Keller threw 19-33 for 171 yds and 1 TD
  • QB Hudson Weidman played at the end of the 1st quarter and all of the 2nd quarter
  • Keller rushed 14-49 yds, but the top three RBs for the Jumbos combined for just 20-54 yds
  • DB Ryan Saccu and LB Riley Yaker each had 8 total tackles

 

Hamilton 27, Bowdoin 13

Bottom Line: Hamilton aerial assault beats Bowdoin

Official links:

Hamilton:  Career day for Kurzum ’27 in football’s 27-13 win against Bowdoin – Hamilton College

Bowdoin:  Football Can’t Hold Early Lead in Loss at Hamilton – Bowdoin College

What we learned – Hamilton:

  • Hamilton generated 449 yds of total offense to 279 for Bowdoin, outpassing the Polar Bears by 174 yds
  • QB Luke Kurzum threw 24-35 for 315 yds and 3 TDs; he had no INTs
  • RB Alastair Orr rushed 5-92 yds including a 43 yd run
  • WR Matthew Kearns snagged 4-137 yds which included TD catches of 73 and 46 yds
  • Fellow WR Chester Boynton caught 6-62 yds
  • LB John Young had 11 total tackles

What we learned – Bowdoin:

  • Bowdoin opened the game with 3 drives that generated 171 yds and ended in a TD, FG and a missed FG
  • The next 8 Polar drives yielded just 108 yds, 4 three and outs, three failed 4th down conversions and no points
  • Freshman QB Soren Hummel threw 14-25 for 117 yds and 1 TD
  • Michael Wolfendale who moved from QB to WR, caught 6-83 yds and had 1 TD
  • RB Nelson Dorsey rushed 21-84 yds
  • LB Sam Schwartz had 7 total tackles

Game recaps – Week 4

Headlines:

  • Trinity dominates Tufts
  • Amherst jumps on Middlebury early and holds off the Panthers’ late surge
  • Wesleyan blasts Hamilton with a 35-point 2nd quarter
  • Williams races out to big lead and holds off Bowdoin
  • Colby prevails in OT over Bates in CBB defensive struggle

 

Trinity 41, Tufts 14

Bottom Line:  Trinity dominates Tufts

Official links:

Trinity:  Football Downs Tufts, 41-14 – Trinity College

Tufts:  Football Topped At Trinity Saturday – Tufts University

What we learned – Trinity:

  • Trinity outgained Tufts by over 200 yds enjoying a 447-246 advantage
  • The Bantams had a balanced offensive attack, passing for 236 yds and rushing for 211 yds
  • QB Jaxon Carroll completed 17-26 for 244 yds and 2 TDs; he had 1 INT
  • WR Nolan O’Brien continues to dominate – he caught 7-106 yds and 2 TDs
  • RB Tyler DiNapoli had over 100 yds of total offense, rushing for 47 yds and having 56 receiving yds
  • The Trinity defense held Tufts to just 96 yds of offense in the first half
  • LB Ethan Krauss finished with 10 total tackles, 1 TFL and 1 PBU

What we learned – Tufts:

  • On Tufts’ 8 first half drives, their offense had 4 three and outs, 2 four and outs and a four-play drive ending in an INT
  • The Jumbos went just 3-13 on 3rd down and 1-3 on 4th down chances
  • QB Justin Keller threw 10-17 for 85 yds with 1 TD
  • Freshman QB Nate Johnson handled multiple series in the game
  • WR Matt Greco caught 7-54 yards
  • WR Keller Rodgers continues to be productive in the return game – he had 127 yards on kickoff returns including a 62 yarder
  • LB Johnny Ferelli had 12 total tackles and 1 TFL

 

Amherst 27, Middlebury 17

Bottom Line:  Amherst jumps on Middlebury early and holds off the Panthers’ late surge

Official links:

Amherst:   Mammoths March to 3rd Straight Win with 27-17 Takedown of Middlebury – Amherst College

Middlebury:  Football Mounts Late Comeback, Downed By Amherst 27-17 – Middlebury College

 What we learned – Amherst:

  • Amherst built a 27-3 lead through 3rd quarters and held off Middlebury’s late 4th quarter surge
  • The Mammoths scored on 5 of their first 7 drives and enjoyed a 36-24 minute time of possession advantage
  • QB Marek Hill went 26-38 for 245 yds and 1 INT; he rushed for 2 TDs
  • The running back duo of Demetrius Smith and Cato Legaspi combined to run 17-94 yds and 1 TD
  • WR Christian Moore caught 8-86 yds
  • The Mammoth defense held Middlebury running backs to just 50 yds rushing on 17 carries
  • LB/DB Luke Harmon also had 10 total tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1 QB hurry, 1 PBU and forced a fumble in the final minute

What we learned – Middlebury:

  • The Panther offense mounted 2 TD drives of 75 and 80 yds in the 4th quarter, but could not score on their final two drives to catch Amherst
  • Middlebury matched Amherst’s offense output (340 to 372 yds) but had 2 fumbles and 2 failed 4th down chances
  • QB Brian Moran finished 25-43 for 286 yds and 2 TDs; he was sacked twice
  • WR Gus Parker had a career day snagging 9-88 yds and 1 TD
  • WR Michael Ahonen continues to be impactful – he caught 6-97 yds
  • LB Matt Shaw had 13 total tackles and 1 PBU and fellow LB Tommy Schwartz had 10 total tackles, 1 sack and a forced fumble

 

Wesleyan 56, Hamilton 14

Bottom Line:  Wesleyan blasts Hamilton with a 35-point 2nd quarter

Official links:

Wesleyan:  Fitzsimons Throws for 365, Cardinals Dominate in 56-14 Win over Hamilton – Wesleyan University

Hamilton: Not yet posted

What we learned – Wesleyan:

  • Wesleyan erupted for 35 points in the 2nd quarter to blast Hamilton
  • After the Cardinals punted following their first drive (just 4 plays), Wesleyan scored a TD on their next 7 drives, before running the clock out on their final drive
  • Wesleyan outgained Hamiton 561 yds to 310 yds
  • QB Matt Fitzsimons was an impressive 20-23 for 365 yds and 5 TDs; all his touchdowns were in the 2nd quarter
  • WR Blake Newcomb caught 6-130 yds and 1 TD while fellow WR Donte Kelly continues his impressive freshman year catching 6-125 yds and 2 TDs
  • Star DB Dylan Connors had 6 total tackles and an INT which he returned for 47 yds

What we learned – Wesleyan:

  • Hamilton started the game with an 11-play drive and a 15-play drive but could not convert those efforts into points; after those drives Wesleyan took complete control of the game
  • The Continentals first 4 drives ended with an INT on 4th down, a missed FG, a failed fake punt and another INT
  • QB Luke Kurzum went 18-36 for 198 yds and 1 TD; he had 2 INTs and endured 7 QB hurries
  • WR Matthew Kearns caught 3-64 yds
  • The Continental defense yielded 9.5 yds per play, including 18.3 yds per completion
  • LB Mat Bucher again led Hamilton in tackles with 8 total tackles on the day

 

Williams 35, Bowdoin 17

Bottom Line:  Williams races out to big lead and holds off Bowdoin

Official links:

Williams:  Ephs surge early for a 35-17 win over Bowdoin – Williams College

Bowdoin:  Williams Builds Early Lead in Football Victory Over Bowdoin – Bowdoin College

What we learned – Williams:

  • Williams scored TDs on 5 of their first 7 drives to build a 35-3 lead and then held off Bowdoin in the 4th quarter
  • Williams had 328 yds in the 1st 3 quarters and none in the 4th quarter
  • The Ephs rushed for 233 yds and averaged a robust 6.0 yds per carry
  • RB Jon Oris led the rushing attack with 13-144 yds and 1 TD
  • QB Owen Johansen was an efficient 7-10 for 102 yds and 2 TDs and rushed 8-69 yds and 2 TDs
  • LB Luke Mangini had 15 total tackles including 4 TFLs

What we learned – Bowdoin:

  • Bowdoin had two 9 play drives in the first half, but those ended in a failed 4th down attempt and a fumble
  • The Polar Bears turned the ball over 4 times on the day, including interceptions on 3 consecutive drives in the 2nd half
  • QB Peter Macauley got the start for Bowdoin; he went 12-21 for 168 yards but had 2 INTs and 1 fumble
  • Macauley was the Polar Bears’ leading rusher at 20-84 yds
  • Bowdoin’s high-pressure defense did not have any sacks on the day
  • DL Angus Leary continued his fine play with 8 total tackles including 1 TFL and 2 QB hurries

 

Colby 13, Bates 6 (OT)

Bottom Line:  Colby prevails in OT over Bates in CBB defensive struggle  

Official links:

Colby:  Football Shuts Out Bates In OT For Huge Away Win – Colby College

Bates:  Not yet posted

What we learned – Colby:

  • Colby scored a TD in OT as QB Miles Drake hit TE Henry Emswiler from 4 yards out and then held Bates from the end zone to win
  • The Mules mounted a key 20 play, 67 yd drive at the end of the game to kick a game tying FG at the end of regulation. The Mules missed the 1st attempt, but Bates was offsides on the play
  • Colby went 7 consecutive series with no more than 4 plays, ending in 5 punts and 2 INTs
  • Drake was just 14-31 for 105 yds, 1 TD and 2 INTs; he was sacked 3 times but made some key throws down the stretch
  • WR Jack Duffy caught 3-42 with a key 21 yd catch on 3rd and 10 in OT
  • DL Joshua Iyonsi had 11 total tackles including 1 TFL

What we learned – Bates:

  • The game was a defensive battle with both teams combining for just 428 yds, 27 1st downs; there were 11 punts
  • Bates outgained Colby (232 to 196 yds), but went 3 for 13 on 3rd down, 0 for 2 on 4th down and had a fumble
  • RB Ryan Lynskey rushed 29-89 yds
  • QB Jack Perry threw 9-18 for 86 yds – he had no TDs and 1 INT
  • The Bates defense held Colby to a mere 3.0 yds per play
  • LB Ryan Rozich had another impressive game with 14 total tackles including 1 sack and another TFL
  • Freshman LB Brooks Potter had 8 tackles and 1.5 TFLs

Game recaps – Week 5

Headlines:

    • Williams holds off Middlebury in tight contest
    • Trinity steamrolls Hamilton
    • Wesleyan’s defense stonewalls Colby
    • Amherst’s 4th quarter surge tops Bowdoin
    • Lynskey leads Bates past Tufts  

 

Williams 24, Middlebury 17

Bottom Line:  Williams holds off Middlebury in tight contest

Official links:

Williams:  Ephs hold off Middlebury in exciting 24-17 win – Williams College

Middlebury:  Late Touchdown Pushes Williams Past Middlebury – Middlebury College

What we learned – Williams:

  • Williams QB Owen Johansen hit WR Zach Falls for a 77 yd TD in the 4th quarter, which turned out to be the winning score
  • The Eph defense stopped the Panthers’ four goal to go chances starting at the Williams’ 6-yard line in the final minute
  • RB Jon Oris led the rushing attack with 17-81 yds and 1 TD
  • QB Owen Johansen was just 7-17 through the air, but threw for 217 yds and 2 TDs; he added 19 yds rushing
  • WR Zach Falls caught 5-194 yds and 2 TDs
  • LB Zakkai Moore had 13 total tackles, while DL Will Gale had 10 total tackles and 0.5 sack

What we learned – Middlebury:

  • Middlebury outgained Williams 434-380 yds, had 24 1st downs to Williams’ 13 and enjoyed a 36-to-24-minute time possession edge, but had 1 INT, one missed FG and a game ending failed 4th down conversion
  • QB Brian Moran converted a 4th and 10 play in the final minutes, hitting WR Mike Ahonen for 40 yds down to the Williams’ 6 yd line, but the Panthers could not score from there
  • Moran threw 24-41 for 249 yds and 2 TDs; he had 1 INT
  • RB Connor McClellan rushed 18-163 yds including a 70 yd run
  • WR Jeremy Kiefer caught 8-52 yds and 2 TDs
  • DB James Woodward 9 total tackles and LB Michael Votta had 6 total tackles including 1.5 TFLs and 1 QB hurry

 

Trinity 49, Hamilton 0

Bottom Line:  Trinity steamrolls Hamilton

Official links: 

Trinity:  Football Shuts Out Hamilton, 49-0 – Trinity College

Hamilton:  Football shut out at home by Trinity – Hamilton College

What we learned – Trinity:

  • Trinity outgained Hamilton a staggering 539-184 yds
  • The Bantams scored touchdowns on their first 4 drives and 7 of their first 8 drives, building a 49-0 lead by the end of the 3rd quarter
  • Trinity dominated the time of possession 37-23 minutes with 6 different Bantams scoring a TD
  • QB Jaxon Carroll completed 22-30 for 290 yds and 3 TDs
  • RB Jack Tosone caught 6-59 yds and 1 TD, he had a 43 yd rush
  • The Bantams limited Hamilton’s passing offense to only 11 completions

What we learned – Hamilton:

  • Hamilton could not get its passing offense on track against Trinity, generating just 106 yds through the air
  • The Continentals went 3 for 13 on 3rd down and 0-2 on 4th down
  • QB Luke Kurzum went 10-23 for 101 yds and 1 INT; he rushed for 5-31 yds
  • No Continental receiver had more than 2 catches
  • Hamilton’s defense allowed 7.6 yds per play including 6.0 per rush
  • LBs Mat Bucher and John Young each had 8 total tackles

 

Wesleyan 24, Colby 7

Bottom Line:  Wesleyan’s defense stonewalls Colby

Official links:

Wesleyan:  Defense Dominates as Football Wins Third Straight, 24-7 over Colby – Wesleyan University

Colby:   Colby Football Falls to Weslyan 24-7 – Colby College

What we learned – Wesleyan:

  • Wesleyan outgained Colby by over 240 yds and limited Colby to just 20 yds passing
  • The Cardinals enjoyed a dominant 39-to-21-minute time of possession edge
  • QB Matt Fitzsimons was 22-for-32 for 258 yds and 2 TDs; he had 0 INTs
  • Freshman WR Donte Kelly once again was dominant, catching 12-140 and 1 TD
  • WR Blake Newcomb caught 6-70 yds and 1 TD
  • LB Austin Baker had 7 total tackles, 1 TFL and 2 PBUs

What we learned – Colby:

  • The Mules were only able to complete 3 passes on the day (on 16 attempts), and were sacked 3 times
  • Colby had just 8 first downs, while yielding 23 to Wesleyan
  • RB Antoine Moreis rushed 12-72 yds with a 37 yd TD run
  • LB Declan McNamara had 11 total tackles and 3 PBUs
  • DLs Josh Iyonsi and Jack Mullen combined for 14 total tackles, 1 sack, 1.5 other TFLs and 1 QB hurry
  • DB Drew Ramos finished with 9 total tackles and a forced fumble

 

Amherst 34, Bowdoin 7

Bottom Line:  Amherst’s 4th quarter surge tops Bowdoin  

Official links:

Amherst:   Mammoths erupt in second half en route to 34-7 win at Bowdoin – Amherst College

Bowdoin:  Fourth Quarter Sinks Polar Bears Against Amherst – Bowdoin College

 What we learned – Amherst:

  • Amherst scored 21 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to pull away from Bowdoin
  • The Mammoths outgained Bowdoin 508-144 including 240 yds on their final 3 drives of the game
  • QB Marek Hill threw 20-32 for 334 yds and 2 TDs and rushed 10-37 yds and 1 TD
  • WR Carter Jung had a monster game catching 8-181 yds and 2 TDs and returning 2 kick-offs for 71 yds, including a 54-yarder
  • RB Demetrius Smith rushed 13-107 yds and 1 TD
  • The Mammoth defense had 3 interceptions, limited Bowdoin to 3-14 on 3rd down and 0-1 on 4th down

What we learned – Bowdoin:

  • The Bowdoin offense could only generate 10 first downs and 2.6 yds per play
  • QB Peter Macauley played the 1st half and a series in the 2nd, and freshman QB Soren Hummel finished the remainder of the game
  • Hummel threw 10-17 for 61 yds with 1 INT; he was sacked 3 times
  • Macauley threw for 49 yds, rushed for 26 yds and had 1 rushing TD; he had 2 INTs
  • DB Ferris Collins had 8 total tackles
  • DL Angus Leary had 6 total tackles, 1 sack, another 1.5 TFLs and 2 QB hurries

 

Bates 35, Tufts 28   

Bottom Line:  Lynskey leads Bates past Tufts  

Official links:

Bates:  Lynskey scores four touchdowns as football upends Tufts 35-28 in Somerville – Bates College

Tufts:   Bates’ Late Score Dooms Jumbo Football In 35-28 Loss – Tufts University

 What we learned – Bates:

  • RB Ryan Lynskey rushed for a game winning 24 yd TD with 58 seconds to play
  • The Bobcat running game was productive, rushing for 270 yds and 5.7 yds per carry
  • Lynskey was an impressive 32-221 yds with 4 TDs
  • QB Jack Perry threw 8-for-20 for 85 yds and 1 TD; he had no picks
  • The Bates defense had 2 INTs and a sack on the day
  • LB Ryan Rozich had yet another strong game with 12 total tackles including 1 fumble recovery

What we learned – Tufts:

  • The Jumbos matched Bates’ yds, but lost the turnover battle 0-3 and had a critical muffed punt in the 4th that set up Bates at the Tufts 15 and led to a Bobcats’ game tying TD
  • QB Hudson Weidman got the start and played all but one series at QB for Tufts; he went 18-30 for 204 yds and 3 TDs
  • Weidman was the Jumbos leading rusher, going 13-74 yds
  • WR Henry Fleckner caught 5-73 yds and 1 TD
  • DL Vince Gilchrist had 10 total tackles
  • LB Riley Yaker had 8 total tackles

 

Game recaps – Week 6

Headlines:

      • Bowdoin stuns Wesleyan
      • Trinity holds off Middlebury
      • Colby’s red zone defense stymies Amherst
      • Williams’ 2nd half surge tops Bates
      • Tufts’ offense overpowers Hamilton

 

Bowdoin 25, Wesleyan 17

Bottom Line: Bowdoin stuns Wesleyan

Official links:

Bowdoin: Football Knocks Off Wesleyan For First Win of Season – Bowdoin College

Wesleyan:  Cardinals Tripped Up at Home by Bowdoin, 25-17 – Wesleyan University

What we learned – Bowdoin:

  • The Polar Bear defense held Wesleyan to 23 net yds rushing, 6-15 on 3rd down and had 3 sacks in pulling a stunning road upset
  • Freshman QB Soren Hummel was an efficient 19-31 for 211 yds and 3 TDs; he was sacked once
  • QB turned WR Michael Wolfendale caught 4-117 yds including a 78 TD grab
  • Two freshmen, WR Conrad Babka and TE Cole Daignault had TD catches
  • LB Zach Taylor had 12 total tackles, 1 sacks and 3 QB hurries
  • DB Ferris Collins snagged 2 INTs, returning them for 62 yds

 

What we learned – Wesleyan:

  • Wesleyan outgained Bowdoin by 99 yds and held Bowdoin to 244 yds of offense but had 4 turnovers and 8 penalties for 90 yds
  • QB Matt Fitzsimons was 23-44 for 320 yds and 2 TDs; he had 2 INTs
  • Cardinal running backs rushed just 15-24 yds
  • Freshman WR Donte Kelly once again impressive, catching 7-97 yds and 1 TD
  • WR Blake Newcomb caught 6-78 yds and 1 TD
  • LB AJ Morris had 8 total tackles, 1.5 TFLs and 1 QB hurry

 

 

Trinity 28, Middlebury 26

Bottom Line:  Trinity holds off Middlebury

Official links:

Trinity:  Football Fends Off Middlebury, 28-26 – Trinity College

Middlebury:  Football’s Fourth-Quarter Rally Comes Up Short Against Trinity – Middlebury College

What we learned – Trinity:

  • Trinity stopped the late Panthers’ 2-point conversion try and held off Middlebury’s 4th quarter drive to preserve the win
  • The Bantams outgained Middlebury 418-289 yards, but had an INT, fumble and a FG blocked for a TD
  • QB Jaxon Carroll went 14-22 for an impressive 251 yds and 3 TDs; he had 1 INT
  • RB Jack Tosone ran 12-74 yds and 1 TD
  • The WR duo of Nolan O’Brien and Darison Hooper combined to catch 7-144 yds
  • LB Lincoln Moore had 10 total tackles and 1 QB hurry

 

What we learned – Middlebury:

  • The Panthers blocked a Trinity FG, returned it 89 yds for a TD, but could not notch the game tying 2-point conversion nor get in FG range on their final drive
  • Middlebury went 2 of 5 on 4th down, losing the ball on downs after drives of 10, 10 and 9 plays
  • QB Brian Moran threw 17-30 for just 145 yds and 1 TD
  • RB Connor McClellan rushed 24-98 yds and 1 TD
  • WR Brian Olson blocked his 3rd kick in the last 4 games
  • LB Michael Votta had 6 total tackles and a fumble recovery

 

 

Colby 13, Amherst 9

Bottom Line:  Colby’s red zone defense stymies Amherst 

Official links:

Colby: Mules Put On Defensive Masterclass To Beat Amherst 13-9 – Colby College

Amherst: Mammoths upended by Colby at home, 13-9 – Amherst College

What we learned – Colby:

  • The Mule defense made five 4th down stops, including three in the 4th quarter from the Colby 20, 6 and 3 yard lines
  • Facing a 2nd and goal from the Colby 3 in the final minute, the Mule defense successfully defended 3 passes
  • The Colby offense could only muster 96 yards, but a DB Brody Rice INT on the 4th play of the game to set them up for short field TD
  • Mules also scored on a blocked punt as RB Corey Aubuchon blocked and returned the punt for a TD
  • 8 of Colby’s 12 drives were three and outs, went 2-16 on 3rd down but WR Jack Nye caught 5-42 yds
  • LB Declan McNamara had 13 total tackles, 1 PBU and 1 QB hurry while fellow LB Lincoln Merrill had 11 total tackles and 1 TFL

 

What we learned – Amherst:

  • The Mammoths outgained Colby by almost 300 yards (387-96 yds) but yielded a special team TD, threw 1 INT, went 0-5 on 4th down conversion and scored just 1-4 in the red zone
  • QB Marek Hill threw 35-62 for 306 yds and 1 TD with 1 INT; he rushed for 34 yds
  • WR Christian Moore had a big day catching 10-114 yds and 1 TD
  • The Amherst defense held Colby to just 7 1st downs
  • LB Carson Skotak had 7 total tackles and 1.5 TFLs
  • DL Wyatt Morgan had 2 sacks

 

 

Williams 37, Bates 30   

Bottom Line: Williams’ 2nd half surge tops Bates

Official links:

Williams: Furious second half rally leads Ephs to a 37-30 win over Bates – Williams College

Bates:  Football can’t hold halftime lead in close 37-30 loss to Williams – Bates College

What we learned – Williams:

  • The Ephs scored 28 unanswered points in the 2nd half to rally past Bates
  • With QB Owen Johansen out with an injury, QB Drew Renzella threw just 7-16 for 149 yds but had 3 TD passes (and no INTs)
  • RB Jon Oris had a huge day rushing 25-198 yds and 1 TD
  • WR Zach Falls had a monster day catching 5-138 yds and 3 TDs
  • LB Zakkai Moore had 10 total tackles, 2 sacks, 2.5 other TFLS and 1 QB hurry
  • DB Andrew Kreakie had 9 total tackles, 2 PBUs and 1 fumble recovery

 

What we learned – Bates:

  • The Bobcats jumped out to a 23-7 halftime lead, but could not stop Williams in the 2nd half
  • Bates offense had 2 three and outs, 2 four and outs and 2 fumbles in their first 6 drives of the 2nd half
  • QB Jack Perry threw 14-27 for 288 yds and 3 TDs, but had 2 INTs and was sacked 3 times
  • WR Ryan Gleason caught 4-99 yards and 2 TDs
  • RB Ryan Lynskey rushed 15-52 yds
  • LB Ryan Rozich continues to be a tackling machine, notching 11 total tackles

 

 

Tufts 38, Hamilton 28

Bottom Line:  Tufts’ offense overpowers Hamilton

Official links: 

Tufts: Offense Erupts In Football’s 38-28 Road Win At Hamilton – Tufts University

Hamilton: Football gets close but falls to Tufts, Kurzum ’27 accounts for four scores – Hamilton College

What we learned – Tufts:

  • With Tufts leading by 3 late in the 4th, RB Christian Shapiro ripped off a 46 yd TD run to seal the win for the Jumbos
  • Tufts outgained Hamilton 474-385 yds and dominated the time of possession with a 34-26 minute edge
  • QB Hudson Weidman went the distance at QB and was impressive: he threw 29-41 for 319 yds and 3 TDs
  • Shapiro rushed 19-120 yds and 2 TDs
  • WR Henry Fleckner caught 7-98 yds
  • LB Ryan Horigan had 9 total tackles and 1 sack

 

What we learned – Hamilton:

  • Hamilton generated 385 yards of total offense, but went 0-3 on 4th down and struggled to get defensive stops
  • QB Luke Kurzum threw 21-35 for 277 yds and 3 TDs and rushed 14-67 yds and 1 TD
  • RB Alastair Orr was impactful in the passing game catching 12-107 and 1 TD; he added 30 rushing yds
  • Hamilton allowed Tufts to go 9-15 on 3rd down conversions and lost LB John Young in the 1st quarter to a targeting injection
  • DL Frank Ruiz had 8 total tackles and 1.5 TFLs
  • DB Ian Redzepagic notched 7 total tackles and 2 PBUs

 

 

Game recaps – Week 7

Headlines:

      • Wesleyan defense and special teams thwart Amherst
      • Tufts’ offense overwhelms Williams
      • Trinity dominates Bowdoin
      • McClellan leads Middlebury past Bates
      • Colby’s defense stymies Hamilton

 

Wesleyan 31, Amherst 21

Bottom Line: Wesleyan defense and special teams thwart Amherst  

Official links:

Wesleyan: Football Celebrates Homecoming with 31-21 Win over Amherst – Wesleyan University

Amherst: Mammoths fall to Wesleyan on the road, 31-21 – Amherst College

What we learned – Wesleyan:

  • The Cardinal defense set up their offense with two short fields (which resulted in TDs) and scored a safety and a pick six to swing the game in Wesleyan’s favor
  • WR Blake Newcomb caught 7-108 yds and 1 TD; he snagged a successful 2-point conversion
  • QB Matt Fitzsimons threw 15-25 for 188 yds and 2 TDs; he had 1 INT
  • The Cardinals could only rush for 40 net yds, with their RBs combining for 23-53 yds for a 2.3 yd average
  • Star DB Dylan Connors had a punt block which he returned for a TD, 6 total tackles, a TFL and 2 PBUs
  • LB Austin Baker finished with 7 total tackles

What we learned – Amherst:

  • Amherst outgained Wesleyan 261-228 yds, but surrendered a blocked punt for TD, gave up a safety on a punt snapped over the punter’s head into the end zone, went 0-3 on 4th down, threw 3 interceptions and lost a fumbled punt
  • QB Marek Hill threw 22-43 for 228 yds and 1 TD with 3 INTs
  • WR Carter Jung had 2 TDs, catching 4-37 yds and rushing for another TD
  • WR Christian Moore caught 5-77 yds
  • The Amherst defense held Wesleyan to just 11 1st downs, scored on a pick six, had 3 sacks and stopped the Cardinals on a 4th and 1 from the Wesleyan 21 to set up the Mammoths for a TD
  • LB Carson Skotak had an impressive 13 total tackles and 1.5 TFLs while DL Jackson Duncan had 10 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 other TFL and a QB hurry

 

Tufts 41, Williams 20

Bottom Line: Tufts’ offense overwhelms Williams

Official links:

Tufts: Football Topples Williams 41-20 On Parents & Family Weekend – Tufts University

Williams: Ephs fall, 41-20, to Tufts – Williams College

What we learned – Tufts:

  • Tufts rolled up 482 yds of offense, averaged 8.5 yds per play and scored TDs in each quarter against the Ephs
  • QB Hudson Weidman threw for an impressive 17-23 for 335 yds and 3 TDs with no picks; he also rushed for 46 yds
  • RB Christian Shapiro rushed 12-82 yds and 1 TD
  • WR Henry Fleckner caught 7-124 yds while fellow WR Granville Anderson III snagged 3-101 yds
  • WR Keller Rogers had a 72 yd TD catch and 42 kickoff return yds
  • LB Johnny Ferrelli had 8 total tackles and 1 PBU

What we learned – Williams:

  • Williams generated 398 yds of total offense but had 3 4th quarter drives end in 2 interceptions and a failed 4th down effort
  • QB Owen Johansen was back in action and went 18-28 for 256 yds with 1 TD but 2 INTs; he rushed for 25 yds
  • The Eph rushing offense combined to rush 27-134 yds (4.9 yd average) and 1 TD
  • WR Zach Falls keeps posting impressive stats: he caught 8-143 yds and 1 TD
  • LB Zaccai Moore had 10 tackles
  • DB George Papadopoulus had 6 total tackles and 3 PBUs

 

Trinity 45, Bowdoin 3

Bottom Line: Trinity dominates Bowdoin

Official links:

Trinity: Football Thumps Bowdoin, 45-3 – Trinity College

Bowdoin: Football Falls in Home Setback to Trinity – Bowdoin College

What we learned – Trinity:

  • The Bantams outgained Bowdoin 441-162 yds including a 228-25 yd edge on ground while holding a 36-24 minute time of possession advantage
  • QB Jaxon Carroll went 14-19 for 178 yds and 1 TD; he had no picks
  • RB Josh Woodward opened the 2nd half with a 75 yd TD run finishing 8-88 yds, and adding a 32 yd catch
  • The duo of Tyler DiNapoli and Tate Hoffmeister combined to rush 13-102 yds and 1 TD
  • 10 different Bantams caught passes
  • Trinity’s defense held Bowdoin to 3.1 yds per play and had 3 sacks

What we learned – Bowdoin:

  • The Bowdoin offense struggled, gaining just 10 1st downs and went 0 for 13 on 3rd down
  • 10 of 11 Polar Bear drives were 5 plays or less and they had a punt blocked for a TD
  • Freshman QB Soren Hummel threw 17-36 for 137 yds
  • RB Ty Connelly had 51 yds rushing and 13 yds receiving
  • Freshman WR Jude Baker caught 5-54 yds
  • Freshman LB Noah Direnzo finished with 7 total tackles

 

Middlebury 34, Bates 16

Bottom Line:  McClellan leads Middlebury past Bates

Official links:

Middlebury: Football Surges Past Bates, 34-16 – Middlebury College

Bates: Middlebury pulls away in fourth quarter to defeat football 34-16 – Bates College

What we learned – Middlebury:

  • Middlebury outgained Bates by 100 yds, had 22 1st downs to 12 for Bates and held a 37-23 minute time of possession edge
  • RB Connor McClellan had a monster game, rushing 31-121 yds and 3 TDs
  • QB Brian Moran threw 20-30 for 222 yds
  • WR Mike Ahonen caught 7-66 yds and freshman WR Jordan Angstreich snagged 4-70 yds
  • RB Caleb Smith rushed 11-55 yds – a 5.0 per yd clip
  • DB Shane Johnson had 7 total tackles and a fumble recovery

What we learned – Bates:

  • Bates played without star RB Ryan Lynskey, and their backs/wideouts rushed for 19-40 yds or 2.1 yds per carry
  • 3 of Bates’ 5 2nd half drives ended in interceptions
  • QB Jack Perry threw 14-28 for 243 yds and 1 TD, but had 3 INTs and was sacked 3 times
  • WR Jeff Vidou caught 3-115 yds including a 65 yd catch
  • WR Quinn Carver caught 4-58 yds
  • LBs Ryan Rozich and Carmel Crunk combined for whopping 38 total tackles, each registering 19 tackles

 

Colby 17, Hamilton 10

Bottom Line: Colby’s defense stymies Hamilton

Official links:

Colby: Colby 17, Hamilton 10: Homecoming crowd fuels balanced, bend-but-don’t-break win – Colby College

Hamilton: Football comes up short in defensive struggle at Colby, 17-10 – Hamilton College

What we learned – Colby:

  • Colby’s defense held Hamilton to just 10 points, with the Continental TD aided by a fumbled punt for Colby at their own 4
  • Freshman QB Patrick Miller started for the Mules, and he rushed 15-119 yds including runs of 41 and 24 yds
  • Miller threw 12-19 for 78 yds and 1 TD
  • WR Jack Nye caught 4-33 yds and 1 TD
  • LB Lincoln Merrill had 11 total tackles, 1 sack and 1 QBH
  • Fellow LB Dennis Dougherty had 10 total tackles, 1 PBU and 1 QB hurry

What we learned – Hamilton:

  • Hamilton outgained Colby 350-242 yds, had 24 1st downs to the Mules’ 12, but missed 2 4th down tries, threw an INT and lost a muffed punt in their own territory
  • QB Luke Kurzum went 27-46 for 238 yds and 1 TD; he had 1 INT and was sacked 3 times
  • Kurzum led Hamilton in rushing with 41 yds
  • WR Jack Hoag had a big game: he caught 12-115 yds while freshman WR Mitchell Ivatts snagged 9-65 yds
  • The Continental defense held the Mules to just 83 2nd half yds
  • LB John Young led Hamilton in tackles with 8 total tackles on the day

Game recaps – Week 8

Headlines:

      • Late Wesleyan rally stuns Williams
      • Bantams’ defense halts Amherst
      • Colby’s big plays and defense dominates Tufts
      • McClellan’s big day leads Panthers past Hamilton
      • Bowdoin’s 2nd quarter strikes and defense stymies Bates

 

Wesleyan 34, Williams 28 (OT)

Bottom Line: Late Wesleyan rally stuns Williams 

Official links:

Wesleyan: Football Tops Williams in OT Thriller, Securing Unprecedented Fourth Straight Little Three Championship – Wesleyan University

Williams: Ephs lose 34-28 to Wesleyan in overtime – Williams College

What we learned – Wesleyan:

  • Down 14 in the final minutes, Wesleyan hit two TDs pass at 2:48 and 51 second marks, blocked a Eph FG in OT and walked it off with RB Angelo Rose TD run
  • QB Matt Fitzsimons threw often, going 29-50 for staggering 458 yds with 3 TDs and had key strikes of 47 yds and 44 yds in the pivotal 4th quarter
  • Fitzsimons threw 2 INTs and was sacked 7 times
  • WR Blake Newcomb caught 10-161 yds and 1 TD
  • Fellow Cardinal WRs also went over 100 yds and had a TD catch: Sam Wien caught 6-113 yds and Sean Cannon snagged 4-105 yds
  • LB Austin Baker had a big day with 12 total tackles, 1 sack and 1 other TFL

What we learned – Williams:

  • Williams was outgained 468-270 yds, had 15 1st downs to Wesleyan’s 29, but had two INTs, a 4th down stop and recovered 2 Cardinal fumbles to keep the game close
  • QB Owen Johansen did not play, and backup QB Drew Renzella was injured in the 2nd quarter, so freshman QB Mustafa Mozawal was pressed into duty
  • Mozawal went 10-17 for 179 yds with a 1 TD and 1 INT
  • RB Jon Oris rushed 19-71 yds and 1 TD
  • LB Luke Mangini had a 40-yd INT return, 8 total tackles, 1 sack and 2 other TFLs
  • DE Will Baker had a major impact with 2.5 sacks and a forced and recovered fumble

 

Trinity 14, Amherst 7

Bottom Line:  Bantams defense halts Amherst

Official links:

Trinity: Defense Leads Football To 14-7 Victory Over Amherst – Trinity College

Amherst: Mammoths fall to Trinity 14-7 in third straight loss – Amherst College

What we learned – Trinity:

  • The Bantam defense did not yield a point and held Amherst to just 7 first downs
  • Trinity’s offense generated 327 yds offense, rushing for 129 yds and throwing for 198 yds, but were stopped on 4th down, went 1 for 3 in the red zone and threw a pick six
  • RB Tate Hoffmeister rushed 21-83 and 1 TD
  • QB Jaxon Carrollwent 19-35 for 198 yds and 1 TD; he had 1 INT
  • WR Nolan O’Brien caught 8-53 yds
  • LB Jose Ruiz had a key INT when Amherst was driving in the 4th quarter

What we learned – Amherst:

  • Amherst was outgained 327-174 yds by Trinity and converted just 2 of 12 third down chances
  • The Mammoths had just 66 yds on 16 plays in the 2nd half
  • QB Marek Hill threw 17-32 for 141 yds with 1 INT; he rushed for just 4 yds
  • WR Carter Jung caught 6-75 yds
  • DB Tylik Sims had a 53 yd interception return for the Mammoths’ only score; he had 10 total tackles and 1.5 TFLs
  • LB Luke Harmon and Carson Skotak each had 11 total tackles

 

Colby 33, Tufts 6

Bottom Line: Colby’s big plays and defense dominates Tufts

Official links:

Colby: Not yet posted

Tufts: Football Falls To Colby On Senior Day – Tufts University

What we learned – Colby:

  • Colby rushed for 266 yds, the Mule defense held Tufts to 5 for 17 on 3rd down and sacked the Jumbos 4 times
  • The Mules hit three big plays: two TD runs of 84 yds and 44 yds by RB Andre Moreis and a 38 yd TD catch by Moreis from WR Sean Trinder
  • Moreis rushed for an impressive 16-172 yds and the 2 TDs
  • WR Sean Trinder caught 4-86 yds to go with his TD strike
  • QB Patrick Miller went 8-16 for just 90 yds and added 24 yds rushing
  • LBs Sebastien Romain and Dennis Dougherty combined for 10 total tackles and 2 sacks

What we learned – Tufts:

  • The Jumbos had 17 1st downs to just 12 for Colby, held a 34-26 min time of possession edge but struggled on 3rd down, threw 2 INTs, went 1-3 on 4th down and had a punt blocked
  • QB Hudson Weidman threw 18-39 for 271 yds, but threw 2 INTs and was sacked 4 times
  • WR Matt Rios caught 5-114 yds
  • RB Christian Shapiro rushed 13-51 yds and 1 TD
  • WR Matt Greco and Henry Fleckner combined to catch 6-90 yds
  • DL Suleiman Abuaqel finished with 5 total tackles, 1 TFL and 1 QB hurry

 

Middlebury 24, Hamilton 21

Bottom Line: McClellan big day leads Panthers past Hamilton

Official links:

Middlebury: McClellan’s Career Day Propels Football Over Hamilton In Rocking Chair Classic – Middlebury College

Hamilton: Football edged by Middlebury in The Old Rocking Chair Classic, 24-21 – Hamilton College

What we learned – Middlebury:

  • RB Connor McClellan had a massive day, rushing 35-216 yds and 2 TDs
  • Middlebury outgained the Continentals 391-301 yds, and averaged 5.1 yards per carry
  • The Panthers went 9-18 on 3rd down
  • QB Brian Moran threw 16-24 for 130 yds and 1 INT, he rushed 7-39 and 1 TD
  • PK Tony Wang hit a long 44 yd FG
  • DB Charlie Grant finished with 6 total tackles

What we learned – Hamilton:

  • In the 4th quarter, Hamilton had key mistakes on each of their last 3 drives: a crucial drop on 2nd and 23, an INT and roughing the punter that awarded Middlebury a first down
  • QB Luke Kurzum went 22-35 for 221 yds and 2 TDs; he had 1 INT
  • RB Alastair Orr did not play for Hamilton, but Kurzum rushed 10-54 yds
  • WR Jack Hoag had another very big day, catching 9-119 yds and 1 TD
  • LB Mat Bucher again led Hamilton in tackles with 13 total tackles, 1 sack and 1 QB hurry
  • LB John Young finished with 10 total tackles and 1 QB hurry

 

Bowdoin 17, Bates 9

Bottom Line: Bowdoin’s 2nd quarter strikes and defense stymies Bates

Official links:

Bowdoin: Bowdoin Defense Stymies Bates as Polar Bears Win Opening Leg of CBB – Bowdoin College

Bates: Pair of big plays cost football in 17-9 loss at Bowdoin – Bates College

What we learned – Bowdoin:

  • Bowdoin hit two long TD passes in the 2nd quarter, while the Polar Bear defense held Bates to 2.4 yds per rush and had 5 sacks
  • Freshman QB Soren Hummel went 13-21 for 130 yds and connected on two TD strikes of 48 and 32 yds in the 2nd quarter
  • Freshman WR Jude Baker caught 6-60 yds and 1 TD
  • The game featured 16 punts between the two teams, with P Caden Perry pinning Bates inside their own 20 five times, with two +50 yd punts
  • DL Angus Leary was impactful with 6 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and 1 QB hurry
  • LB Zach Taylor had 7 total tackles, 1.5 TFLs and a recovered fumble

What we learned – Bates:

  • Bates outgained Bowdoin 285-187 yds and held a 37-23 min time of possession edge but were shut out until late in the 4th
  • On the Bobcats’ first 10 drives they had five 3 and outs, a 4 and out, two INTs, one fumble and a missed FG
  • Bates featured three quarterbacks including QB Jack Perry, who threw 7-14 for 55 yds and QB Sean Greene who went 6-9 for 52 yds; each had 1 INT with Greene rushing 11-50 yds
  • WR Jeff Vidou generated 73 yds of total offense, rushing 6-48 yds (with a 1 TD) and catching 5-29 yds
  • RB Ryan Lynskey was limited to just 6 rushing attempts, all in the 1st half
  • LB Ryan Rozich had 7 total tackles and 0.5 TFL

 

Game recaps – Week 9

Headlines:

  • Wesleyan’s big plays thwart Trinity for the NESCAC title
  • Amherst edges Williams in defensive struggle
  • Colby’s defense leads them to CBB crown over Bowdoin
  • Middlebury rallies past Tufts to win in OT
  • Kurzum powers Hamilton past Bates

 

Wesleyan 31, Trinity 28

Bottom Line: Wesleyan’s big plays thwart Trinity for the NESCAC title

Official links:

Wesleyan: Football Clinches Back-to-Back NESCAC Titles, Defeating Trinity 31-28 in Season Finale – Wesleyan University

Trinity: Football Falls at Wesleyan, 31-28, in Season Finale – Trinity College

What we learned – Wesleyan:

  • The Cardinals outgained Trinity 493-292 yds and held a 37-23-minute edge in clinching the NESCAC title
  • Wesleyan leveraged 3 big plays: WR Justin Meyreles had a 74 yd TD catch, and two long runs by RB Angelo LaRose, a 78 yd TD scamper and a 65 yd run after Trinity cut the Wesleyan lead to 17-14
  • QB Matt Fitzsimons was 15-26 for 278 yds with 2 TDs and no picks; he was sacked 3 times
  • LaRose rushed for a staggering 26-218 yds and the 1 TD
  • WR Donte Kelly finished his impressive freshman year catching 6-78 yds
  • The Cardinals held Trinity to 37 yds rushing and DL Dean Sokaris had 5 total tackles, 2 sacks and another TFL

What we learned – Trinity:

  • Of the Bantams’ first 6 drives, they had 4 three and outs and 1 four and out, generating just 67 yds of offense in the first half
  • Trinity opened the 2nd half with two TD drives, but could not hold down Wesleyan who countered with a quick TD response and later long drives of 10 and 13 plays
  • QB Jaxon Carroll went 19-39 for 255 yards with 4 TDs and 1 INT; he was sacked 3 times
  • WR Darison Hooper caught 5-85 yds and 2 TDs
  • LB Lincoln Moore had 9 total tackles, 2 TFLs and 1 PBU
  • LB Ethan Krauss and John Fiore combined for 14 total tackles, 2 sacks and a forced fumble

 

Amherst 14, Williams 13

Bottom Line: Amherst edges Williams in defensive struggle

Official links:

Amherst: Fulcher-Melendy, strong defensive effort allow Amherst to edge archrival Williams, 14-13 – Amherst College

Williams: Ephs suffer 14-13 loss to Amherst – Williams College

What we learned – Amherst:

  • Amherst outgained 262-211 yds and used 4 FGs by K Hudson Fulcher-Melendy and an interception return by LB Ty Kazanowsky on a 2-point conversion to edge Williams
  • QB Marek Hill threw 23-38 for 188 yds; he had no TDs nor INTs
  • WR Carter Jung caught 9-81 yds
  • The Mammoth defense held Williams to 3 for 12 on 3rd down and just 2.9 per carry
  • DB Niles Riding had an INT with 1:28 to go to seal the win
  • LB/DB Luke Harmon had 11 total tackles, 1 sack and 2.5 other TFLs while his brother, DB Miles Harmon had 9 total tackles and 2 PBUs

What we learned – Williams:

  • On Williams’ first 5 drives ended in 2 three and outs, an INT and a failed 4th down attempt, gaining just 55 yds
  • The Ephs played without their top two QBs, so freshman QB Mustafa Mozawal led Williams: he threw 11-18 for 100 yds with 1 TD and 1 INT; he rushed for 25 yds and 1 TD
  • Williams lost Mozawal to injury, so QB Henry Machnik finished the game
  • RB Jon Oris led the rushing attack with just 20-59 yds
  • Eph defense held Amherst to only field goals in the Mammoths’ four red zone trips including a 1st and goal from the 5
  • DB Wyatt Cotton had 11 total tackles, 1 TFL and a forced fumble while LB Luke Mangini had 8 total tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 2 forced fumbles and 1 QB hurry

 

Middlebury 33, Tufts 30 (OT)

Bottom Line: Middlebury rallies past Tufts to win in OT

Official links:

Middlebury: Kiefer’s Overtime Touchdown Grab Lifts Football Over Tufts 33-30 On Senior Day – Middlebury College

Tufts: Middlebury Outlasts Football 33-30 In Overtime In Season Finale – Tufts University

What we learned – Middlebury:

  • QB Brian Moran hit WR Jeremy Kiefer for a 14 yd TD to win the game for the Panthers in OT
  • Middlebury rallied from 17-6 half time with 3 unanswered TDs on consecutive drives before Tufts came back to tie the game with a FG on the final play of the 4th quarter
  • RB Connor McClellan rushed 29-93 yds and 2 TDs
  • QB Brian Moran was very efficient throwing 19-26 for 213 yds and 2 TDs; he had no INTs
  • Freshmen WRs Luis Kuehberger and Jordan Angstreich combined to catch 14-154 yds and 1 TD
  • LB Matt Shaw had 12 total tackles and 1 INT

What we learned – Tufts:

  • Tufts outgained Hamilton 466-332 yds and dominated the time of possession with a 34-26 minute edge, but threw 3 picks (2 in the 4th quarter) and had 2 unsuccessful 4th down tries including a failed fake punt
  • QB Hudson Weidman threw 17-30 for 298 yds and 2 TDs and added 69 yds rushing; he had 3 INTs
  • RB Christian Shapiro rushed 24-96 yds and 1 TD
  • WR Henry Fleckner caught 5-86 yds and 1 TD with fellow WR Keller Rogers snagged 2-115 yds including a 70 yd TD catch
  • PK Vaughn Seelicke went 3-3 on FGs
  • LBs Johnny Ferrelli and Ryan Yaker each had 9 total tackles

 

Colby 16, Bowdoin 6

Bottom Line: Colby’s defense leads them to CBB crown over Bowdoin

Official links:

Colby: Not yet posted

Bowdoin: Football Drops Season Finale at Colby – Bowdoin College

What we learned – Colby:

  • Colby’s defense effectively shut out Bowdoin, yielding a Polar Bear TD with just 5 seconds left in the game
  • The Mules scored all their points in the 2nd quarter with a safety on Bowdoin penalty in the end zone, a TD drive aided by a 55 yd strike to WR Jack Nye and a pick six by LB Declan McNamara
  • Freshman QB Patrick Miller was just 8-17 for 92 yds but rushed 15-58 yds a 1 TD; he was sacked 3 times
  • RB Antone Moreis rushed 15-49 yds
  • The Colby pass defense had an impressive 12 PBUs, 3 INTs and 6 QB hurries
  • LB Sebastian Romain had 8 total tackles, 1 PBU and 2 QB hurries

What we learned – Bowdoin:

  • Bowdoin outgained Colby 260-206 yds, had 20 1st downs to the Mules’ 10, but gave up a safety on penalty in the end zone, threw a pick six, threw a INT from the Colby 3 yd line and another INT
  • Freshman QB Soren Hummel was 20-43 for 165 yds and 1 TD; he had 3 INTs
  • RB Ty Connolly had 121 yds of total offense, rushing 22-76 yds and catching 7-45 yds
  • The Polar Bear defense held Colby to 1 for 13 on 3rd down
  • DL Charlie Saurack had 9 total tackles, 2 sacks and another TFL
  • LB Zach Taylor had 6 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL and 2 PBUs

 

Hamilton 24, Bates 21

Bottom Line: Kurzum powers Hamilton past Bates

Official links:

Hamilton: Football concludes season with win at Bates on career day for Leonard ’26 – Hamilton College

Bates: Hamilton sneaks past football 24-21 in season finale – Bates College

What we learned – Hamilton:

  • Hamilton outgained Bates 425-357 yds, held a 35-25-minute possession advantage and went 9-18 on 3rd down
  • QB Luke Kurzum generated 371 yds of total offense; he went 23-of-38 for 295 yds with 1 TD and 0 INTs and rushed 18-76 yds
  • Freshman WR Mitchell Ivatts caught 9-84 yds
  • WR Liam Leonard snagged 4-125 yds and 1 TD
  • The Continental defense held Bates to 3-11 on 3rd down
  • LB John Young had 5 total tackles, 1 INT, 1 TFL and 1 QB hurry

What we learned – Bates:

  • Bates led 14-10 at the half, but started the 2nd half with three drives that included a 3 and out, a 17 yd drive that ended in a punt and an INT
  • The Bobcats scored a TD to pull within 3 points with just over 4 minutes to go, but could not stop Hamilton, who ran out the clock with a 12 play 66 yd drive
  • Bates played their 4th string QB, freshman Connor Hennessey, who threw 11-21 for 224 yds with 2 TDs but 2 INTs
  • Hennessey rushed 10-72 yds
  • WR Quinn Carver caught 4-95 yards and 1 TD and added 34 yds rushing
  • LB Ryan Rozich finished the season in a consistent manner to his first 8 games, notching 13 total tackles with 1 PBU